My best friend appeared in the doorway, but I forced a smile and told her I needed a moment.

Somehow, I returned to the living room, thanked everyone, and watched them leave with untouched cake in their hands.

The second the front door closed, Cole said, “It wasn’t what you think.”

“I watched you kiss my mother.”

Darla wiped her face.

“Please let us explain.”

“How long?”

Neither answered.

“How long?” I shouted again.

Cole looked down.

“Since before you became pregnant.”

My knees nearly gave way.

Darla stepped closer.

“We never meant for this to happen.”

“You came to every appointment.

You helped choose her name.”

Her phone lit up on the counter.

Darla reached for it, but I grabbed it first.

A message filled the screen.

The papers are ready.

Once your daughter signs, Cole can use the house as collateral without her knowing.

I stared at them.

“What papers?”

Cole snatched the phone from my hand.

Then Darla whispered, “You weren’t supposed to find out until after the baby came.”

I pressed both hands over my belly as Cole locked the kitchen door—and placed a document in front of me.

What were Cole and Darla planning to make her sign?

The full truth was worse than she imagined.

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